Bath Time
It is a truth universally acknowledged that any one writing about or mentioning Jane Austen will at some point use the first few words of this sentence. It is for this reason that I have used that particular allusion at the very beginning of this ramble so that I could concentrate on the matter at hand. Chiefly, describing yesterday’s excursion into Bath, that most historic of English cities.
Despite getting around four hours sleep the night before the drive on the M5, M4 and A4 was a straightforward affair. It’s difficult to describe the journey due to me being the driver and concentrating on ensuring the wind didn’t carry the Nissan Micra away and so I missed out on the vistas. But one cannot help be taken by awe as soon as you enter Bath and notice the marvellous yellow Bath stone buildings that make up the properties in the city.
After parking by Royal Victoria Park it only needed a short walk before ending up at the Royal Crescent and admiring the Georgian architecture. The truly beautiful houses form a crescent (hence the name) and are unsurprisingly listed buildings. I was tempted to ask how much one of the houses would cost but I didn’t wish to have a local laugh at me. After the Royal Crescent a stroll through Brock Street leads you to The Circus. Another display of Georgian housing awaits but this time forming a circle. I believe Nicholas Cage bought a house here for four million pounds and uses it about four times a year. That is what I call disposable income.
I began this post mentioning Austen and that is because she lived here for a considerable part of her life. There is a tourist centre on George Street that used to be her home and one can get a brief glimpse into Austen’s life. They also have a tea room that serves the best cream tea I have ever had. The Earl Grey is a taste delight.
Bath is a place which requires time to get to know and due to the briefness of the visit I probably missed out on a lot. Although I took the sightseeing bus I would recommend seeing Bath on foot and next time I go (and there will be a next time) I will spend a few days being a peripatetic tourist and see where my feet lead me.
(There a few photos on my flickr site).
Leave a Reply